Metis Flashcards
Difference between Metis and metis
Large M Métis refer to the Métis Nation, which traces its formation back to the fur trade and the Red River settlement of Manitoba
Small m métis refers to individuals who have a mixed cultural ancestry of Indigenous and Settler origin
Describe the Metis as an ethnic group
Perceive themselves as sharing beliefs, values, habits, customs and norms than other groups in the larger society
Perception of common ancestry between group members
Forms the basis for the inclusion/exclusion from the group: Us vs them, member vs. non-member
What is ethnicity
Identification with a particular ethnic group
What are the attributes of ethnicity
Origin myth: Shared historical experience
Boundary Markers: multiple forms (language, clothing, religion)
What is ethnogenesis? Passive vs active ethnogenesis?
Creation of a new cultural identity by a portion of a pre-existing society
Creation of new language or language revival
Active: individuals deliberately engineer separated identities
Passive: Markers of group identity gradually formed and reinforced over time
T/F Process is not simply a combination of traits of both cultures
True
Describe the cause of variation in the Metis
Process of ethnogenesis resulting from Indigenous-European contact seen
across Canada
What were the role of Metis in the interaction with Europeans
Marriage between the Metis and Europeans were required to facilitate trade. Traders and clerks with Indigenous women
What was the role of the children from these trade marriages
Unique roles within the fur trade
Tripsmen, translators, hunters, independent traders
What role did women play in the process of identity formation
- Possessed Indigenous knowledge and relationships with Indigenous males
- Viewed as being appropriate marriage partners for fur trade elite living “in country”
T/F formation of Metis identity was immediate
False
What was red river colony
Home to many Metis and Indigenous traders and hunters
What were the major events in distinguishing Metis identity
Red river colony
Pemmican proclamation
Conflict from the proclamation
Battle of Seven Oaks
Decisive win for the Metis
What was pemmican proclamation
Prevented any pemmican from being exported from the colony
What was the battle of seven oaks
NWC Metis attacked the colony to take back Pemmican
Which women were viewed as being appropriate wives for officers during the early fur trade
Women of mixed heritage
What happened when European women were brought to Canada
Officers abandoned their Metis wives. Metis wives returned to their homes and brought the skills, practices, and traditions of upper-class European fur traders
What was Michif language
Mixed language combination of French and Cree
French nouns and Cree verbs
Regional dialetcs and variations
What was afocal activiyt of Plains Metis life
Bison hunt
Describe the mobility of Plain Metis
Winters spent in seasonal cabins
Summers spent hunting bison
What were the four political decisions
Constitution act
Powley Decision
Daniels Decision
Batoche National Historic Site land transfer
